On lessons my parents taught me...

Lately, topics on being a parent or how to be a parent has been popping up around me. I don't have to tell you all that with having a baby means becoming a parenting. I don't think a good parent just happens either. You have to decide what type of parent do you and your spouse want to be, a helicopter parent, a best friend type of parent or I am the parent you are the child type of parent. 
Additionally, I thought of the important lessons my parents taught me growing up that I hope Sean and I will pass onto our kid(s). 
A few of the lessons my parents taught me still stick with me today.
The first lesson my parents instilled in me is how important education is: my dad has his PhD and my mom has her Masters degree. As a result of this lesson, I have my Masters degree. Sean just finished up his Masters degree too earlier this year. Education wasn't just about going to school and and getting a degree but engaging in what you are studying and for me in college, it was about helping to pay for part of my college education.

The second lesson that my parents taught me was exercise, getting out and taking care of your body on an almost daily basis. My mom went on her morning walks, my dad ran for years now he plays tennis on the weekends and bike rides and swims. My mom summed up my father perfectly in a phone conversation the other day, she said he is like the energizer bunny. My dad just loves exercise.

The third lesson that my parents instilled in me is following through on what you started. I remember how I played on a soccer team for one season. It was my first time playing and I didn't like soccer at all I realized. Was I allowed to give up? Nope. I had to finish out the season because it was the right thing to do. Quitting the season halfway through just because I didn't like it was considered selfish and disrespectful to my other teammates. So I had to suck it up and finish out the season.

What are some of the lessons your parents taught you and what lessons do you or do you want to pass onto your children?

16 comments:

whit | Black Little Button blog said...

awe I love these dear. You will be a wonderful mother and parent, no doubt about that.
-wHiT

Unknown said...

You have wonderful parents & no doubt, you will be a wonderful parent as well. I'm so thankful for the basics my parents taught me- things like saying please & thank you. It seems basic but so many people weren't taught or forgot!

always, koru kate

Amanda said...

These are such great lessons! It sounds like you have a good base for being a wonderful parent. My parents showed my siblings and I a great example of being respectful. That's something I think is very important.

Alexa said...

These are such important lessons Meg...all of them. Education was huge for my brother and I as well and both of us graduated with our bachelors degrees. Out of my 12 cousins he and I are the only ones with degrees. My cousin, who recently retired from the Coast Guard is working on his...he's 42, and I am so happy for him for pursuing it. You and Sean are going to be great parents, Matt and I were just saying the other night.."Are we doing this parenting thing right?" "Should we be doing something different?" But in the end...a safe home and lots of love and support is the best we can all do! xo

Lauren said...

these are all great lessons. I especially like the last one of finishing something you start....I remember one year I was at state music contest and completely forgot the rest of my piano solo...but I started over and finished it, even if it was the most embarrassing thing ever.

Heather said...

These are definitely great lessons. My parents and grandparents taught me the importance of caring for others and being a kind person, values I definitely hope to pass along to my children.

brooke lyn said...

all great takeaways from your parents! I am sure you two will be great :)

Sarah said...

I totally agree, what great parents you have. My parents taught me that they will love me unconditionally no matter what and always told me that, so when I did mess up, I knew that I would learn from the mistake and they would still love me.

Happily Ever Parker said...

That quote cannot be more true. The greatest piece of advice my dad gave me was to open a 401k as soon as I got a job out of college. This way my very first paycheck I would never notice a difference!

Kelli Herrington said...

All of these are very important and should be applied to parenthood. Your parents are so right on track girl.

Anonymous said...

These are great lessons! I'm sure you and your husband will pass on amazing ones to your kiddo! For whatever reason the biggest lesson I can only think of right now is "if you have nothing nice to say, don't say it at all". As hard as that is, sometimes it's best to just take the high road. It's still a good lesson for us adults as well :)

xo
Rachel

Life With Lauren said...

Such good lessons! You will be a great Mom.

Johanna said...

How did I miss that you are expecting?! Oh my gosh...I am so excited for you. You two will be wonderful parents. Big squeals of joy for you!! xo

Sarah Alway said...

Those are excellent lessons! Funny how our parents turn out to be right in the end, huh? ;-)

Sarah @ Life As Always

Carly said...

Love this! What great lessons!

Carly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com

birdie to be said...

These are so sweet and so often forgotten. Staying true to yourself and taking care of you. So important!